Author Topic: eyefinity multi monitor set up  (Read 1886 times)

Offline Pollock

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eyefinity multi monitor set up
« on: October 01, 2010, 05:00:28 PM »
Just curious if anyone is using this.  I am toying around with doing it i have a 23.6" monitor and 1 19' square.  Thinking of picking up another used 19" to do a 19" by 23.6" x 19".  I think this would be a cost effective approach avoiding the ridiculous price of the triplehead thing.

Offline Krusty

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2010, 11:47:23 PM »
Problem is that each eyefinity port adapter (allowing you to plug a DVI in) is really expensive. Unless you already have them.

That's the kind of setup i'd eventually like, myself. 2 equal sides and the best in the center.

Offline TilDeath

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2010, 12:03:10 AM »
Problem is that each eyefinity port adapter (allowing you to plug a DVI in) is really expensive. Unless you already have them.

That's the kind of setup i'd eventually like, myself. 2 equal sides and the best in the center.
He has a XFX 5850,  It states that you can run three (3) monitors as one extended screen when you install the ATI Catalyst control panel (Which Skuzzy does not recommend using).

TD

Offline Krusty

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2010, 01:06:35 AM »
I get that TilDeath, but most have mini display ports for 1 or more of those 3, meaning you can't run a monitor for that "monitor out" signal without an expensive adapter.

It's like SAS and also needing the cables that go with it (or else your HD isn't connected to the controller!). It can add up.

Offline FLS

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2010, 11:37:27 AM »
Eyefinity requires 1 display port monitor and because it uses a timing signal a cheap adaptor won't work as Krusty mentioned. I believe Eyefinity needs the same resolution on all monitors and works best when the 3 monitors are all the same model.

The cheaper alternative for multi monitors is softTH. http://www.kegetys.net/SoftTH/ You need a MB that supports 2 video cards but the second card is just a video port, your main card does all the rendering work.

Offline Kazaa

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2010, 03:32:25 PM »
An active display port adapter costs around $100? With that you can use 3 DVI displays in eyefinity.

« Last Edit: October 02, 2010, 03:34:12 PM by Kazaa »



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Offline Pollock

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2010, 08:29:46 PM »
An active display port adapter costs around $100? With that you can use 3 DVI displays in eyefinity.



would this work
http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-005B-DisplayPort-Single-Link-Certified/dp/B004071ZX0

Offline Spite

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2010, 12:47:29 AM »
would this work
http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-005B-DisplayPort-Single-Link-Certified/dp/B004071ZX0

You would have to verify yourself that this is an accredited adapter, but it does appear to be an acceptable 'single link" active DVI adapter as discussed by Hardware Canucks.  Be aware that the max resolution is 1920x1200 with these adapters, if you need more than that you will need the more expensive adapters already mentioned.

The WideScreenGamingForum discuss these 30 dollar adapters.

Offline MrRiplEy[H]

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2010, 04:09:14 AM »
I get that TilDeath, but most have mini display ports for 1 or more of those 3, meaning you can't run a monitor for that "monitor out" signal without an expensive adapter.

It's like SAS and also needing the cables that go with it (or else your HD isn't connected to the controller!). It can add up.

Cheap displayport-to-dvi adapters have been published. I don't know how widely they're available yet but the price range is around 20 bucks.
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Offline vafiii

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2010, 05:17:12 PM »
I have a radeon 5970 with 3 monitors. For 3rd monitor you need an "active" DVI Mini-display port to Dual-Link Adapter to connect to back of video card. Active adapters plug into usb port for power. You can purchase from Accel at www.accellcables.com.  This adapter is validated by AMD for Eyefinity multi-display setups. Make sure you get the right one or 3rd monitor will not work. Cost is $90.

Offline maddafinga

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2010, 05:40:26 PM »
So is there any advantage of using a 3 monitor setup over using one single big high res monitor?  I'll be in the market for a monitor upgrade in the next couple of months, so I'm looking to educate myself. 
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Offline vafiii

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #11 on: October 03, 2010, 10:19:02 PM »
3 monitors and eyefinity will give a wider view verses one monitor. In otherwords, with the eyefinity setup the center monitor is your regular view just like you have now and the left and right monitors bring in a wider view such as wings, additional terrain, etc.. One large single monitor has the same view as a smaller monitor only with a bigger picture whereas the eyefinity setup offers a wider expanded view. You can type in eyefinity on youtube for sample video's of the eyefinity setup with 3 monitors to see the difference. I just got my setup up and running. Check back with me in a few weeks for more details.

Offline maddafinga

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #12 on: October 03, 2010, 10:23:47 PM »
Well I'm running an eyefinity card, and I knew about the field of view really.  I probably should have been more clear in my question I suppose.  Would I be better off in game to have a much larger single monitor from an overall resolution standpoint or with the three monitor rig, notwithstanding the obvious differences in field of view.  Does the wider field of view also mean lower resolution overall?  Which will allow me to see details better at a distance and in a fight?  Do the bezels have much over effect on your view?  That sort of thing. 
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Offline Kazaa

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Re: eyefinity multi monitor set up
« Reply #14 on: October 03, 2010, 10:50:26 PM »
So is there any advantage of using a 3 monitor setup over using one single big high res monitor?  I'll be in the market for a monitor upgrade in the next couple of months, so I'm looking to educate myself.  

Well I'm running an eyefinity card, and I knew about the field of view really.  I probably should have been more clear in my question I suppose.  Would I be better off in game to have a much larger single monitor from an overall resolution standpoint or with the three monitor rig, notwithstanding the obvious differences in field of view.  Does the wider field of view also mean lower resolution overall?  Which will allow me to see details better at a distance and in a fight?  Do the bezels have much over effect on your view?  That sort of thing.  

When you say large, do you mean Something like a 30", 2560 x 1600 Dell display? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-023-DE&groupid=17&catid=1120&subcat=

Large IPS displays suffer from poor pixel response rate/ghosting, this makes them terrible for gaming, especially Aces High 2! They are built for professional use, photo editing/cad work. I suggest you stick to the faster 1920x1080, TN panel, 24" displays.

Having three displays in eyefinity will not reduce the resolution. Think of it like this, you're just gaining 2 additional displays beside your main display. For example: 1920 x 1080 x 3 = 5670x1080.

You'll not notice the bezels after 10 seconds of use, you can even stack the bezels behind the centre display for even more of a reduced effect. Backlit LED monitors do this really well as they're ultra thin.

Now if you're really minted, you should look at the new 120hz displays which will be flooding the market soon.
« Last Edit: October 03, 2010, 11:00:18 PM by Kazaa »



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